New Orleans City Council President Stacy Head is seeking to delay a city council vote scheduled for Thursday on a proposal to double Sewerage & Water Board rates over the next 8 years.

Head says there is no reason to "rush it to conclusion," and believes the matter warrants "thorough public discussion and input."

The other at-large member of the council, Jackie Clarkson, has placed the matter on the agenda for Thursday's council meeting.  She also scheduled a council budget committee hearing on the issue on Wednesday of this week.

Head has requested a deferral of action, but Clarkson has refused, an action Head says is against typical council protocals "as deferrals are commonplace."

Head believes the matter should first be considered by the council's public works committee which she chairs.

The council president says the issue is a "matter of extreme importance to the public" and that if the council proceeds as scheduled "the result will be to avoid meaningful public engagement."

The Sewerage & Water Board is seeking rate increases totaling $583 million over the next 8 years to fund infrastructure improvements.